WASHINGTON (CNN) - Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Democrat turned independent who backed Republican Sen. John McCain for president, will meet at 1 p.m. Thursday with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to discuss Lieberman’s future with the Democratic caucus, according to two congressional sources familiar with the matter.

At stake is Lieberman’s chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and possibly his other committee assignments. Reid could also ask Lieberman to leave the Democratic caucus altogether.

Lieberman’s support of McCain – and harshly critical words of President-elect Barack Obama during the campaign - angered many Senate Democrats but Reid was reluctant to act against the Connecticut senator earlier because Democratic control of the Senate relied on Lieberman’s decision to organize with the Democrats.

But after picking up multiple Democratic seats on Election Day, Reid is politically empowered to strip Lieberman of the coveted chairmanship if he chooses. The full Democratic caucus would have to approve any action Reid takes when it meets on Capitol Hill in two weeks.

Democratic leadership aides would not say what Reid will do at the highly-anticipated meeting which is expected to take place in Reid’s leadership suite off the Senate floor. Reid has not been shy in the past about expressing his frustration with Lieberman who just eight years ago was the Democrats’ nominee for Vice President. But he’s also repeatedly said he values Lieberman’s membership in the caucus because on most issues Lieberman votes with the Democrats.

soundoff(322 Responses)

DP in CA

Ask Obama what to do with Lieberman. We trust Obama's judgement.

November 6, 2008 01:34 pm at 1:34 pm |

jj

If Joe Lieberman had just supported the war in Iraq, for his pro-Israel position, it could have been acceptable as a difference of opinion. BUT he ACTIVELY supported McCain and he ACTIVELY opposed Obama. Thus Lieberman destroyed all good will options from the Democratic party and he MUST be expelled. Let him enjoy the comfort he found in his Republican friends and allies.

November 6, 2008 01:34 pm at 1:34 pm |

hello

He should apologies to Obama then they should keep him caucus.

November 6, 2008 01:34 pm at 1:34 pm |

lacton

Hmm.....leaves the Democratic Party when the Republicans take charge, supports McCain and bad-mouths Obama, then most recently praises Obama after it's clear who's going to win the Presidency, and now wants back in the Democratic Party now that they're in charge.

Sounds like nothing more than an opportunistic traitor who has no allegence to anyone but himself.

Throw da bum out!!!

November 6, 2008 01:34 pm at 1:34 pm |

Gene

Being a democrat means that you believe in the ideas and ideals of the Democratic party. That being said.. we already know that Lieberman doesn't believe in either.. so he should get out. Nothing wrong with being independent or republican.. just don't claim you're a democrat when your general philosophy is not that of the party.

November 6, 2008 01:34 pm at 1:34 pm |

Across the What?

Well that would send a strong message of "unity" now wouldn't it?

Let's face it...Obama is a politician like any other Washington "insider" and now Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are having their hayday with a vengence.

November 6, 2008 01:34 pm at 1:34 pm |

Berna

Joe the Blow must Go!
He has shown his true colors – RED – and he has made a complete idiot out of his egotistical self – another Republican trait!

November 6, 2008 01:34 pm at 1:34 pm |

Ken in NC

I hope he gives Lieberman his PINK SLIP.

November 6, 2008 01:35 pm at 1:35 pm |

Sherry

Joe Leiberman reminds me of a man without a home - very sad!

November 6, 2008 01:35 pm at 1:35 pm |

Sarah

Joe Lieberman supported McCain because McCain supported the Iraq War. Joe is Pro-Israel which is alright, but he abandoned the broader principles of the Democratic Party and did not support the Democratic Nominee. He does not deserve any Chairmanships. The Dems will only make a deal with him it if it supports their causes that they are working on for the American People.

November 6, 2008 01:35 pm at 1:35 pm |

LA-Langley

If Joe wants to be a Republican, he should run as one. If CT wants Joe the Republican, they will vote for him. His behavior is a betrayal to every person in CT who voted him into office. Not to mention a betrayal to the caucus.

Honestly, I remember being shocked when Kerry put him on the ticket, I thought at the time that he was far to right for my comfort...just took a couple of years for his spots to show to the rest of the country

November 6, 2008 01:36 pm at 1:36 pm |

Tim

What is the difference between Lieberman, Biden and Hillary Clinton?

They all agree on Obama's qualifications to be president, but Lieberman is the only one who is not a hypocrite.

November 6, 2008 01:36 pm at 1:36 pm |

Monroe W. DeVos

It's one thing to lend one's support to a particular candidate but for him to show up at all of those rallies was crossing the line. Joe Lieberman did not do himself justice.

November 6, 2008 01:37 pm at 1:37 pm |

Angie

GET RID OF THE LOSER. TRADER. LIEBERMAN CHOSE TO GO ALONG WITH THE HATER AND WAR MONGERS. OH AND ALSO BIG LIARS. SO GIVE HIM THE BOOT.

November 6, 2008 01:37 pm at 1:37 pm |

doc

"the enforcer"

"Lieberman must be punished so that others know that the Democrats are not to be taken for wussy punks."

too late, all true patriots have known for decades you little girly boys are a bunch of pussies

November 6, 2008 01:37 pm at 1:37 pm |

david thomas

As a lifelong and proud Democrat, I hope that Senator Reid will not act like a Republican. They are the party of narrow and doctrinaire positions. Democrats are a party that encourages people to think and act with integrity. Therefore, I hope that Senator Lieberman will continue to retain his chairmanship and status in the Democrat caucas. This is the time for statesmanship.

What are we afraid of?

November 6, 2008 01:37 pm at 1:37 pm |

abc

how convenient. a very flexible man who i hope will not be holding important position in the new administration... because we can't afford it. i agree with not punishing him, instead, let him return to McCain's side. it's his intention that is unworthy to serve the country, not his choice of candidate. there are good GOP politicians who can contribute in the new government, not him.

November 6, 2008 01:37 pm at 1:37 pm |

geasy

say it aint so joe aka "joe the backstabber"

November 6, 2008 01:38 pm at 1:38 pm |

Betty

Farrell – You can add Biden to that pasture too, He is not for change he has been in the Senate since the 70's. Oh that's right you voted for him as Vice President.

November 6, 2008 01:38 pm at 1:38 pm |

James T. Weber

Lieberman will soon discover that a traitor has no home. Ultimately, he will be abandoned by both parties because he has no loyalty or honor. And in this new era of governing in Washington, it's time for Joe to seek employment elsewhere. I heard that they have an opening for plumber in Ohio, and he even has the right name for it!

November 6, 2008 01:38 pm at 1:38 pm |

Camille

The absolute gall of Liebermann over the past few years has left me hoping the people of CT send him packing, permanently, the next time he comes up for election.
I will never forget the "KISS" (Google that sometime!) that George W. planted on him on the floor of the Senate. At that moment, I thought he'd "sold his soul....". It appears I wasn't too far off.

November 6, 2008 01:39 pm at 1:39 pm |

MB

"but Reid was reluctant to act against the Connecticut senator earlier because Democratic control of the Senate relied on Lieberman’s decision to organize with the Democrats."